By Maggie Murphy
Many parents are concerned about their children’s summer learning loss. Studies show that students can lose more than a quarter of the previous year’s progress over this longer break. When my children were in elementary school, I started a new tradition, a four-week summer bridge program.
One month out of every summer, we dedicated up to an hour per day (Monday-Thursday) to work on their studies. Do you have 30 to 60 minutes to spare? Are you “homeschool curious?” For around the same time spent streaming a re-run, you could create an educational adventure with lasting benefits.
Math
First, I purchased grade-specific math workbooks at the local bookstore. They completed one or two pages per session. The math sessions did not include new material. Instead, my children reviewed the previous school year’s curriculum. Many mathematical concepts are foundational, requiring a firm understanding of initial steps to complete later, more advanced assignments. Students who spend time reviewing the previous year’s content will be better prepared to learn and connect new material in the fall.
Writing
Summer bridge programs should also include a short writing assignment. My children often chose fun topics, such as a persuasive essay about their favorite sport or a descriptive essay about a memorable vacation. Completing the writing process just once over the summer helps maintain writing skills. Journaling is another writing activity that will keep skills sharpened. Parents can find a list of topics online or see what their children create. Perhaps they will pen short stories or poetry, wonderful mementos to save.
For students who are college-bound, the ability to write a quality essay is essential. Many college classes assign a single essay that comprises 20-30% of the final grade. Students who succeed in college learn that these essays take time, planning, and multiple drafts. Successful students require a firm understanding of the writing process when they enter college.
Logic
In addition, parents should include a logic unit, a lovely middle school age activity that reinforces critical thinking skills. During one of our four-week sessions, I ask my kids to complete one worksheet per session from a workbook called “Logic Liftoff.” This educational resource encouraged innovative problem solving and included an answer key in the back. My kids only completed this activity for one summer, yet this has led to some lively family discussions and a marked improvement in my children’s reasoning and debating skills.
Read
Summer reading offers another important learning opportunity. Parents can encourage reading adventures by building in road trips to the bookstore or visiting the local library. Reading offers a pleasant conclusion to learning sessions and can be a useful time management tool, especially if one child completes assignments more quickly.
High school and college students are often assigned large amounts of reading to complete each week. The ability to read for 30-60 minute segments and retain new information is a skill that must be developed and strengthened. Reading over the summer will help increase speed and comprehension, reduce screen time, and open up a world of imagination.
Friday Fun
Be sure to include a bit of educational shenanigans! I used to designate summer bridge Fridays for an outing or special activity. You could attend an outdoor concert, create a fun science experiment, or see the movie after listening to the audiobook.
Parents, you have the power to truly make a difference in your children’s lives. If you want to provide an academic edge and prevent learning loss over the longer break, consider building in a summer bridge experience for your children. Need help getting started? Check out my free Summer Bridge Sample Plan and Idea Guide.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maggie Murphy is a lifelong Michigander and graduate of Hillsdale College. She is an enthusiastic educator with 29 years’ experience helping community college students reach their academic and career goals. Maggie is also the author of the children’s book, Sara Dippity, and can often be found performing Irish, Scottish, and Americana folk music and running a small farm with her husband.
